Friday, October 28 at 7:30PM
Saturday, October 29 at 7:30PM
Sunday, October 30 at 2:30PM

Moving Forces

Join the Shenandoah Dance Ensemble for a performance featuring a dynamic range of dance styles from traditional to contemporary. Highlights include original repertoire by faculty choreographers, including classical ballet works by Erica Helm set to the waltzes and polka music of Johann Strauss, Jr.; high energy jazz and contemporary works by Daniel Padierna; and a dance and projection piece by Yauri Dalencour. Also featured on the program, is a touching and poignant large ensemble work choreographed by Sigma Rho Delta’s special guest artist Danielle Sten-Guillermo.

Digital Program

View Digital Program

Shenandoah Conservatory uses digital programs for all performances. In addition to their engaging and accessible design, digital programs are cost effective, environmentally friendly and enable us to create and update our programs more efficiently, which means we can focus our resources on the performances you love! View our digital programs by clicking the button above, scanning the QR code in our venue or texting PROGRAM to (540) 307-2336 at the performance. [Note: Digital programs are best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.]

Lean In & Engage

Q: What are students learning or experiencing through this process?

“Classical ballet is a dance art that showcases grace, elegance and technical skill . . . the rich history and aesthetics of this beautiful art dates back to the 1600s, and as our dancers refine their skill and artistry through the rehearsal and performance of these works, they connect with that history and embrace an aesthetic that is very different from that which informs our contemporary society. This repertoire expands and diversifies their already impressive skill set in contemporary dance styles and taps into different aspects of their artistry and creative expression.”

– Erica Helm, choreographer

“I have choreographed two works that will be performed in this concert: masc4masc (premiered in 2018) is a contemporary duet that will be performed by Ian Sabatine and Tyson Francis and One Night Only is a theater jazz piece that will performed by 13 of the conservatory’s dance students. Starting as a jazz class phrase work to music from the hit movie musical Dreamgirls, it has evolved into a dynamic ensemble set to premiere at our concert this fall!”

– Daniel Padierna, choreographer

“Students are learning about the power of narrative, authorship, perspective and the importance of interpreting visual culture as cultural narrative(s) and how creating visual culture shapes narrative. They are further learning how to use their art, artistic voice and creativity to explore issues of inequity and to effect social change by way of movement, gesture and dance. Students are also discovering and exploring ways to integrate technology and new media in dance performance and composition as a layered form of communication and storytelling.”

– Yauri Dalencour, choreographer

Q: What excites you about working on this project/program?

“This is my first semester at Shenandoah University and as a new faculty member, it is extremely exciting to get to know the students, the dance division and community, the conservatory and university at large! I am excited to work within the capacity of this intriguing environment with such talented students and colleagues bringing both my personal and creative voice to the space. I get to work with a group of students that are eager to learn, grow and go into a world as professional artists witnessing the students come into their own during the process.”

– Yauri Dalencour, choreographer

“It is my hope that our dancers tap into and enjoy expressing their inner loveliness, as a compliment to the incredible ‘fierceness’ that they are able to showcase in the rep of our other choreographers!”

– Erica Helm, choreographer

“I am very excited to share two dance works that not only support my experiences as a queer artist of color, but also support our dance students with exploring ideas centering social justice and community.”

– Daniel Padierna, choreographer

Q: What are you excited about for audiences to experience?

“I am excited for our audiences to experience works that are provocative, engaging and initiators for future conversations.”

– Daniel Padierna, choreographer

“I’m excited for audience members to engage in my works and ask themselves questions about their lives, other people’s lives, the stories and narratives they see and are familiar with — and excited about them exploring how new narratives can be told, and when. What impact do you have in narrative and visual culture and how do these affect you and our society? I can’t wait for audiences to witness experimental exploration, using art and creativity to address social issues, investigate social commentary and ways that artists — choreographers, performances and visual artists — can deconstruct social structures and socially constructed knowledge through the power of art, communication, performance and storytelling.”

– Yauri Dalencour, choreographer

“The music and historical beauty are rich and compelling . . . I hope they bring freshness and joy!”

– Erica Helm, choreographer

Suggested Show Rating: PG

This production contains haze and the use of hand lights that shine toward the audience. Additionally, Yauri Dalencour’s Out of Body: Mine, Body and Those, contains sensitive language and subject matter that some audience members may find unsettling. Contact the Box Office for more information.

Food & Drink

Concessions will be available for purchase beginning one hour prior to this performance.

ACCESSIBILITY

Infrared hearing system headsets are available in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre only. Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by Jeff Taylor